Ahoy, There, Sweeney!

What does the yacht industry use to lobby Congress? Yachts, of course.

As yesterday’s Chicago Tribune reported, the recreational boat manufacturer’s trade association has been hosting lawmakers and staffers on one of its yachts for years — it calls the events the “Congressional Cruise Series.”

Having read the story, I went to the group’s Web site, eager to see a picture of Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY) at the helm of the 38-foot Meridian 381 Sedan, which the news story had mentioned. It was one of a number of photos of lawmakers on the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association’s boat, enjoying — literally — a free ride.

But alas, I found that NMMA.org has suddenly gone down for “routine maintenance.” A coincidence, I’m sure.

Thankfully, the muckrakers at Capitol Confidential saved a copy of the NMMA’s newsletter (pdf) before it disappeared, which they’ve hosted online. And at the end, voila! there’s Captain Sweeney at the helm (at an unfortunately low resolution).

Although hundreds number of lawmakers and staffers (650 last year alone, according to the Tribune) climbed aboard the NMMA’s yacht, a few took advantage of the boat to throw classy fundraisers. One of those was Sweeney, who threw two campaign events — and also happened to sponsor legislation that makes personal flotation devices tax deductible for boat manufacturers, legislation the NMMA strongly supports. (He reimbursed the organization $500 per event.)

And so we add this picture to an already fine photographic collection of Sweeney’s activities, and as a bonus to earlier classic photos of Congressional maritime activities.

Update: As Political Money Line reports, many other members have taken the NMMA’s yacht for a spin. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), who reimbursed the NMMA the suspiciously small sum of $282 for hosting his June 14, 2002 fundraiser aboard the yacht, is among them. Thankfully, Politcal Money Line was able to snag a pic.

They also caught the pic of Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) and friends enjoying the ride.

Late Update: TPMm Reader BK writes in:

The NMMA’s web site is back up and the NMMA PAC report on the 108th Congress is still available. The ninth page – with Rep. Sweeney’s picture at the helm of the Meridian 381 – is mysteriously missing.